The proposed bill, H. 4784, aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by introducing new felony offenses related to staging motor vehicle collisions, defining both "staging a motor vehicle collision" and "aggravated staging a motor vehicle collision." The legislation establishes penalties for these offenses, including mandatory imprisonment and escalating fines for repeat offenders. For example, a first offense could lead to up to ten years in prison, while aggravated offenses resulting in bodily injury or death would incur even stricter penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences that cannot be suspended.

Additionally, the bill revises sections of the Omnibus Insurance Fraud and Reporting Immunity Act by transferring the Insurance Fraud Division from the Office of the Attorney General to the Department of Insurance. It updates definitions, clarifies the division's powers and duties, and establishes penalties for various forms of insurance fraud. The bill also mandates a minimum annual appropriation of $200,000 for the Insurance Fraud Division from state insurance premium taxes and fines, with a cap on total fines at $500,000. Furthermore, it allows for the hiring of a forensic accountant for the division and expands the jurisdiction of state grand juries to include insurance fraud crimes, thereby enhancing the enforcement mechanisms against such offenses. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
12/17/2025: 38-55-171, 38-55-520, 38-55-530, 38-55-540, 38-55-550, 38-55-560, 38-55-570, 38-55-590, 17-25-45, 42-9-440, 14-7-1630
Latest Version: 38-55-171, 38-55-520, 38-55-530, 38-55-540, 38-55-550, 38-55-560, 38-55-570, 38-55-590, 17-25-45, 42-9-440, 14-7-1630